IFC has invested in Uhuru Growth Fund I, a fund managed by Uhuru Investment Partners, a middle-market private equity firm in West Africa.

IFC's support includes an equity investment of up to $10m from IFC's capital and an additional $10m from the Blended Finance Facility of the International Development Association's Private Sector Window, which helps de-risk investments in low-income countries.

The fund will provide growth capital to the region's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including women-led businesses.

The fund invests exclusively in low-income countries, focusing on high-growth companies offering consumer and financial services in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. The fund will also invest in businesses in Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso.

At least 25% of the companies the fund invests in will be owned or led by women.

IFC will work with the fund to develop and implement environmental and social standards and improve gender diversity at the fund and the companies it invests in.

In addition to providing equity capital, Uhuru will help companies improve operations, secure banking relationships, and expand domestically, as well as across the region's Anglophone and Francophone economies.

"IFC's support has been crucial for a first-time fund like ours to reach our fundraising target in a challenging environment," said Yemi Osindero, Managing Partner of Uhuru.

"Entrepreneurs in our markets need partners that understand their challenges and can provide not just the capital, but the support to enable their businesses to thrive, be impactful and ultimately succeed. We look forward to partnering with passionate local entrepreneurs to grow their business and to creating sustainable value for our investors and all other stakeholders."

Private equity activity in Africa remains one of the lowest in the world, representing 2.6% of the total volume of private equity financing dedicated to emerging markets.

Other than Nigeria, most countries in West Africa have nascent or non-existent private equity markets. Fundraising for private equity in West Africa dropped to $134m in 2021 from $234m in 2018.

IFC's investment in Uhuru could demonstrate that investing in underdeveloped private markets like West Africa, often perceived as higher risk, can generate returns to investors with sufficient deal flow and exit potential. West Africa has a large, young population, rapid urbanization, and relative currency stability.

"SMEs are essential to economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction," said Kevin Njiraini, IFC's Director for Southern Africa and Nigeria.

"Private equity financing can help smaller businesses grow into bigger regional players. By investing in Uhuru, we will enable more small businesses in Nigeria, and West Africa more broadly, to access much-needed growth capital to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, offer innovative products, and support the region's economic development."

IFC's private equity funds strategy focuses on providing growth capital to funds with the highest likelihood of financial and developmental success.

IFC has committed more than $2bn to more than 100 funds in Africa.